Paralegal skills

[tashax03]

Hi, I recently graduated with a degree in Politics and IR and am looking to pursue a Masters in law conversion degree. If the end goal is to be a paralegal is this a good path to take? what kind of skills and or strengths are required to be one?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @tashax03

If your goal is to work as a paralegal, then doing a law conversion course like the GDL or an SQE-focused Master’s can help, especially if you’re aiming to work at larger commercial firms. My impression is that many of them prefer or expect paralegals to have at least some legal educational training, and that some are now even expecting applicant's to at least have passed SQE1. That said, I don't think doing a conversation course is always essential. Some firms, particularly smaller or high street ones, do take on paralegals without legal qualifications, especially if you show strong transferable skills and a clear interest in the law. Many applicants go on from those outfits to larger firms after they've amassed enough experience.

The nature/skills required of a paralegal role can also differ depending on the practice area. Having spoken to friends of mine currently working as paralegals in various departments, you can be doing very different things and sometimes require skills that are specific to that role. For example, in corporate or banking teams, you might be helping with closings, signatures, and managing long documents under time pressure. In litigation, you could be preparing bundles, summarising evidence, or assisting with hearings. In areas like immigration, family, or private client, you may have more direct contact with vulnerable clients, so sensitivity and professionalism become even more important. Regardless of the type of firm or practice area, I think there are certain core skills that most employers look for in paralegal candidates:

• Attention to detail, since you’ll often be reviewing or drafting legal documents where small errors can have major consequences.
• Strong organisation
• Communication skills (both written and verbal skills matter, whether you're writing clear emails or summarising research).
• Teamwork, since paralegals are often expected to work alongside their wider team.
• Some tech confidence, as many firms use platforms like iManage or DocuSign, and being comfortable with legal tech and Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel) is a big plus.

If your long-term goal is to qualify as a solicitor, doing a law conversion will eventually be necessary. If you're mainly focused on securing a paralegal role for now, it may be worth exploring opportunities as you are, although the law conversion can really help.

Happy to suggest some firms or routes depending on what kind of work you're interested in, just let us know